Silent Auction: A Slice of History

As the world turns more and more towards digital entertainment, the debate continues as to the value of printed books.

But the real value of some books is indisputable. 

One such book is currently on display as part of Impact Thrift Store Hatboro's Silent Auction.

The cover is a deep red/brown with a diamond design of gold leaf. The spine is in very good condition, declaring the name of the book and author. A Picturesque Tour Along the Rhine from Mentz to Cologne by Baron Johann Isaac von Gerning.

Nothing looks extraordinary about this book until you open the cover to reveal it's contents... 24 full page, hand-colored aquatint engravings depicting beautiful scenes of life along the Rhine River during the early part of the 19th century. Along side these wonderful images, are writings that include historical information and descriptions of local cultural traditions. The book also features a large folding map which shows the course of the Rhine river from Mentz to Cologne.

Published in 1820 by R. Ackermann in London, translated from the original German by John Black, this volume is considered a rare find. This book has been referred to as "One of the great nineteenth-century color-plate books, with twenty-four hand-colored aquatints" by David Brass of David Brass Rare Books.

And we have one of these extraordinary books available at our Silent Auction in Hatboro!

According to Store Manager Ben Sheaffer,  “this rare book appears to be in excellent condition.”

Stop in our Hatboro store soon and take a look at a slice of history. Bid on it and it could be yours. At Impact Thrift Stores, the Silent Auction continues until 7 consecutive business days have passed without a bid.

Visit impactthrift.org/our-stores/silent-auction for more information about how you can become involved with Silent Auction at Impact Thrift Stores.